Comment by phainopepla2
2 days ago
Well, I suppose we can agree to disagree, I guess. Frankly you sound like someone who hasn't driven manual transmissions much, though I'm sure you'll tell me you have. I just find it hard to believe that someone could really believe they don't reduce the opportunities for distraction by a significant degree
I used to own a manually transmission sports car as my primary car, in fact. Trust me when I say I’m aware how much more engaged you can feel with the road if you use one. Emphasize is on can, though.
On the other side of that coin though, if you’re just driving a crappy car that has a manual, and commuting in traffic, it becomes a burden and certainly is more taxing mentally.
Maybe that alone makes you tired enough to not be distracted on your phone, and I’m sure that’s true of some people, but frankly with how hopelessly addicted some people are to their phones I don’t really have any faith that would be enough for people who are careless enough to text/scroll and drive already.
As a point of reference, I knew someone who literally veered into oncoming traffic, more than once, nearly avoiding hitting another car, in the same singular drive, and they continued to scroll on their phones (despite me loudly protesting) after this happened. I didn’t give this person the opportunity to be a passenger in their car any further after that. Some people just can’t help themselves despite the risk, even if the risk is really, really high. Turns out (you’ll be shocked to know), this person had gotten in quite a few accidents over the years…